It’s not a sports car. It’s a luxury convertible touring car.

@dmcnamara9859

2 ай бұрын

Think GT would be a better description,but yeah it's not a " sports car by any means; just another variation of the RWD Toyota Crown and sold with a Toyota badge in most places of the world. Lexus is just a fake name like the Toyota cars it sells with that fake name. Every sucker that walks into a Lexus dealership unknowingly pays a huge Royalty to IT Law Firm Lexis-Nexis; the result of Toyota attempting to steal the likeness of that company. Lexus is a success in terms of fooling suckers.

My 2004 SC430 with 207,000 miles has no rattles, convertible and chassis are solid and quiet. Check the suspension. This guy sounds like the doppelganger Jeremy Clarkson. He's attributing a lot of his negatives on Lexus design when really it's the owners decades of neglect

@DJRoyalEdo

2 ай бұрын

I think top gear were the ones who made this car seem terrible but I don’t see how it isn’t reliable or fun to cruise in. Especially for it being under 10k now

I have a 2002 SC430, with 63k trouble free miles. Everything still works. I bought five years ago and the only thing I've needed to do is change the oil. I love driving it.

I think using used parts is completely acceptable, as long as you're transparent with your customer about it and reason for it. I truly enjoy watching your videos.

I want to thank everyone who has had negative comments about Lexus SC 430 over the years. Thanks to you, I was able to purchase one of those with 30K original miles, a southern car, and in perfect condition for the price of a used Kia. It will last another 20 years!

I liked the "came out of the garage for it's annual trip to the repair facility"!

@sveinfarstad3897

4 ай бұрын

Yea 🙂

@kenore4003

4 ай бұрын

Unfortunately not driving a vehicle causes more damage than running it in a normal way. Keeping up with maintenance and getting it up to temp will make it last longer than ignoring it.

@Chevyman02

4 ай бұрын

​@@kenore4003true, but if you start them & drive them every few months, they are fine. I live up north in snow country, I have a sports car that stays in the garage through the winter. I start it & let it run awhile throughout the winter, & when spring & summer rolls around I get it out of the garage & drive it some. It doesn't get snowed on, & the only time it gets rained on is if I leave it out of the garage a couple days. I do enjoy getting it out of the garage in the spring and summer & "stretch it's legs" 😂😂😂

@DeeGee-mv6eq

4 ай бұрын

Smart....

@edwardberwind8544

4 ай бұрын

Indeed! Ray has some wonderful one liners.

That 3UZ-FE engine is one of the finest engines ever built. FAA certified in its stock form and also featuring a 5 bolt main

Starts right up after all these years. I’d say that’s not a failure.

The car launched in 2002. The iPhone launched in 2007. “It’s behind because doesn’t have any USB connections.” Thankfully, I watch because you are great at what you do and entertaining to boot, not because you’re a historian…

@johnt.848

4 ай бұрын

Glad you don't design cars. USB1 came out in January 1996.

@JimDibb

4 ай бұрын

The first car with a usb port was the Kia multi-s concept in 2007. Wireless chargers were not added until well after that. I have to wonder if Ray was low-key trolling.

@user-fj8wr8jh4e

3 ай бұрын

Lexus runs behind in tech intentionally. Its fine. Car tech moves along so fast i really don't take it into account when buying anything. If i have to have it the aftermarket can fill in.

@MummaBear

2 ай бұрын

Usb was 1996 🎉

The SC430 uses real wood! There is no fake wood in these cars. I know this car gets a ton of hate, but I own one and it is a great second car to have for the weekends! This was a great video.

@craigcraigster4999

4 ай бұрын

Ray got so much wrong with his interior features critique of this '04 SC430 I don't even know where to start, so I won't. He probably also doesn't know that the all aluminum 3UZ-FE in that thing is one of the finest engines Toyota ever developed, rock solid reliable for hundreds of thousands of miles if you properly maintain it -- nice power band too, the one in my '06 LS430 is no slouch, despite being such a heavy sedan. Ray should have loosened one of the timing covers and sneaked a peek at the condition of the timing belt since it's an interference engine and the belt's been there since day one (recommended replacement is 90k, which is in another 25k for this SC430 owner, but it couldn't hurt to "sneak a peek.")

My 2003 SC430 has 118K and everything works, no rattles, no noise, no issues in 3 years.

California loved the SC430. They were everywhere here, and we still see them, sans Northern Rust...

Lol my ‘07 white sc430 is my DAILY- rain sleet or snow baby 🤙🏻 Best car and engine/transmission I’ve ever had. The top works perfect and it’s newer inside than the older 02-05 version. I handled everything genuine parts 158k miles and runs like a Swiss watch

@wendwllhickey6426

20 күн бұрын

2004 tech was just really starting and to much tech is probably to much like a car simple to fix and not breaking down all the time line the new cars😂

@wendwllhickey6426

20 күн бұрын

And people need to service their cars more often

That seat in the beginning sounds like my back and knees when I get out of bed in the morning. 😂

@seamasrigh2162

4 ай бұрын

I feel you brother, hang in there.

Been having my 2004 sc430 as a daily for about 3 years and it's great, basic fixes for older cars yeah but it's good and I haven't had any problems at 180k. The old 5 speed isn't the fastest by far but it's still good. I will say there's a knock sensor and the starter is under the 45lb metal intake, sports car placement cramming it all in the engine bay is no bueno. Also when I have to eventually service the rear suspension or the top mechanism that's gonna be terrible too. I love the car tho so 7.5/10. If you want to supercharge it supposedly it can hold 500hp easily too but i'm going to keep it stock mostly

@s0mething_sw33t

3 ай бұрын

also have to do the timing belt forgot to mention :(

Ray I don't think you realize how good you have it! I've never had the luxury of working on a car that isn't covered in rust! I would consider that "Toyota" not really bad compared to what I usually see

@mattbrown5511

4 ай бұрын

Rust Belt goodness is something I don't miss. I grew up in northern Indiana with all the salt on the roads. Since moving away from that area, I no longer enjoy rust and other corrosion.

@wromzick9457

4 ай бұрын

Corrosion just requires another level of patience and determination. That and wire brushes and your preferred brand of penetrant. It does scare me, it just knocks you back a bit when you have any work in the splash zone.

@weldingjunkie

4 ай бұрын

Same I’m in Rhode Island terrible

@Aspie_Geek_UK

4 ай бұрын

@@wromzick9457 you should try living here in the UK, just about every vehicle that's been on the road for more than 4 years has a rusty undercarriage! I brought a 2002 Mercedes SLK320 a couple of years ago real cheap and am doing it up as a practise project car to learn bodywork and welding on. I'm not a mechanic, but have just dabbled in cars since my first car in the mid 1980's, a Mk3 Ford Cortina 2.0L GXL (yes I realise by American standards a 2L 4 cylinder engine is tiny, but here int he UK in the mid 1980's as a new driver, lets just say all my friends were driving 1.1L or 1.3 L cars!). I have decided that I love the little roadster and have eliminated all the rust underneath by mainly cleaning it and replacing bits that were too far gone. Now I just have 4 rusty wheel arches and a touch of rust on the boot lid to fix.

@JJK-le2yj

4 ай бұрын

Rust belt requires a lot more component replacements. Just replaced the tie rod sleeve, drag link, and ends on my WJ that were completely locked up. Shop couldn't do a proper alignment. Doubt you would get that in FLA

You should have hit that repaired bracket with some paint to protect it a little

@rainman rays repairs as a owner of a outdoor power equipment repair company the used parts question if new parts are not available used are are quite ok at the customers consent with there knowledge that used parts are not warrantied communication and full understanding with the customer is key

@DonaldWells-wk8dc

4 ай бұрын

Yeah... they'll want to sue you to take your house!

Watching I think every video Ray has done, I learned 1 thing. Toyota is king of reliability. I personally owned 3 Toyotas. A 97 Corolla that lasted 320k miles before someone hit me from behind, a 00 Corolla that is still have at 460k miles and runs beautifully, and a 16 Camry with 91k miles and runs like the first day I bought it. I never seen a horrible Lexus or Toyota in his vids. I also had the bad luck to work on Honda’s from my wife and her family. They broke down so much and had so many problems.

@William_Hada

4 ай бұрын

I am of the same opinion. I have owned several Toyotas and Lexuses and liked them all. Great cars!

@ralph5476

4 ай бұрын

Agree. Toyotas may not do anything particularly brilliantly, but they do everything well. I am on my fourth Corolla (Australia)

@ginog5037

4 ай бұрын

Today, Toyota is garbage...

@pokefan5022

4 ай бұрын

@@ginog5037 that is odd. How come a garbage brand is listed as 1 and 2 (Lexus and Toyota) for most reliable brand in the world? Why is a garbage brand the most sold car brand in the world? How odd

@ginog5037

4 ай бұрын

@pokefan5022 Not today, Mazda (Japanese built) is in first place beating out Lexas again. Toyota is 3rd and Honda is 4th.

Hi Ray, Lexus uses real wood in the interior.

They were very expensive when they first came out for sale. Not exactly a sports anything but a kinda personal luxury coupe.

So, you refer warmly to those of us that grew up on a farm, poor, except in common sense and of practical utility. Thank you for the compliment and recognition sir. :)

I notice you're not an "antiseize" guy. I guess being from the north I (we) tend to use it more frequently when reassembling nuts/bolts. Each of those reused fasteners on the ride height adjuster would have gotten a dab of antiseize before reassembly if I was doing it.

@ahmadghosheh3104

4 ай бұрын

One word, FLORIDA, no rust 😂

@stonelemon03

3 ай бұрын

@@ahmadghosheh3104 yes...but it makes it easier for the next mechanic.

@N7492

3 ай бұрын

I DIY my cars, and antisieze almost all of the fasteners I take out of my cars. That way, years later, they come out without a fight.

@justinferguson5451

3 ай бұрын

He touched on that a couple years ago on why it’s not good to use antiseize. Fasteners are designed to be installed dry. because antiseize acts as a lubricant when tightening and will cause fasteners to be over torqued and damage threads in a hole or break bolts. If you do use antiseize reduce the torque value by 20%

@N7492

3 ай бұрын

@justinferguson5451: Right on all counts. Just reduce your torque by 20-30%. On bolts bathed in oil anyway (e.g head bolts) don't bother. In 40 years of DIY car maintenance, I've only had problems if I didn't use it. Rust is the enemy. Pro mechanics need not bother either, as they rarely have to remove parts they've bolted to a car 5 years later.

That rust just needed a good soaking in ATF with spray bottle. Recyclable parts are my #1 go to when possible.

Some people must not be old enough to remember "ending transmission". I remember when television stations ended transmission for the day, and radio stations.

@MonkeyJedi99

4 ай бұрын

National anthem, military jets flying in formation, American flag in the wind, test pattern and solid sound tone that later transitions to the static of no signal.

@stevereimer5254

4 ай бұрын

I grew up near the Canadian border. The Vancouver CBC TV station listed all of its repeater stations at signoff on Saturday night. I learned the names of arctic towns in western Canada. Long before Ice Road Truckers.@@MonkeyJedi99

@TransAm-Jack

4 ай бұрын

Remember this well, dating myself

@johnhpalmer6098

4 ай бұрын

@@TransAm-Jack Me too, though it was when a 2 year college's TV station would go off air just after 11pm, but that was in the late 80's.

@michaelpressman7203

4 ай бұрын

I remember when transmissions were in in black & white.The tv had rabbit ears🐰🐰🐰😂 & aluminum foil to fine tune

I recently had to replace the blower motor resistor in my 93 Corvette. The only available, non Chinesium alternative was well over $200. I opted to try a used part for $40, and it works fine.

@dddevildogg

3 ай бұрын

The blower motor resistor fails because A- not enough air flow over it- or B-the blower motor is pulling too many amps.There may be another failure.

A bit of mandatory comedy from the wife unit. Excellent. Glad to hear it.

Always always notify the customer about using used parts …….before installing.

@weldingjunkie

4 ай бұрын

Those conversations typically happen when it first gets dropped off, especially when cars are rare. I wouldn’t assume that he didn’t.

Fantastic video Ray..... I have used pre-owned parts on my 1988 BMW E30 325is. Couldn't find it new as the part was "NLA" at all the places and websites I tried.... So pre-owned it was and my car was happy, my wallet was happy and I was happy. Nothing wrong with used parts.

They are great cars. But I'm happy not many people think so because I got mine and it's flawless and didn't pay too much for it.

Thanks ray!!! This was great! Thanks wife unit always a pleasure to see you again! Great video ray!!!

Hey, Mr. Ray hope you're having a a great day which will transition to a better tomorrow. Also, I would have liked to see how you got past all that rust while doing the fluid exchanges. But, I might be in the minority of people wanting to see that. Ok see ya tomorrow everyone at Rays' repairs.......😊

@michaelpressman7203

4 ай бұрын

I would soak all plugs & bolts in penetration oil before I went home & hopefully the next day it woeked😅

I wonder how many of your customers watch the videos of your servicing the cars. Most people don't realize how important the fluid servicing is. I recently picked up a 2010 XKR convertible at a reasonable price that needed a full servicng. I figured I saved about $9500 in dealer service for about $1200 in parts and filters. Feels good to have fresh fluids everywhere, even in the hydrualic top system.

@DeepakKumar-lv4te

4 ай бұрын

Nice, but do they need the head gaskets done? Heard that was an issue

The automotive press wasn't kind to these when new, and I often read complaints about squeaks and rattles due to poor overall structural rigidity. That being said, I know an older married couple with three of these, they love them so much. They do have their admirers.

Great Weld. Tell owner that scarcity required the install of a functional used part. NEXT: The vehicle should get New Struts. New (rebuilt?) Brake calipers. Roll bar bushings. Check all bushings on the suspension, esp. the rear. Install Amsoil fluid in rear diff. IT NEEDS new plugs and wires, or coils (depends on what it has, obviously). Remove and replace the radiator. Also, new brake rotors, pads, hydraulic lines. Check the wheel bearings....esp front. Only use Japanese bearings, if needed. The V-8 was designed to roll up, VERY QUICKLY, moving the car from 60 mph to 130 mph. Smooth and very powerful. NOT a Dodge Street racer/burnout design. Since no one wants to spend the monie to do the above, the vehicles, sadly, are ignored, and trade for little monie. Wife Unit should have one of these, to use on Saturdays to go to the asian nail salon, top down, in Florida sunshine. Get one. Fix it. U will not be sorry.

First thing I do with rusted fasteners is hit them with penetrating oil, preferably a day before I try to loosen them. Nine times from ten, the fastener then comes loose without major effort.

@repaid1317

4 ай бұрын

I concur, it amazes me that I watch quite a few channels with repair content and they don't follow that knowledge. Drives me batty when they see corroded work ahead then spray it and then just wrench away and snap off bolts and parts...I work on multitudes of work and will always spray them down a few times the day before I take a wrench out..Ray is a pretty awesome tech, but even when he uses a power socket and then hits power to find the nut home is very troubling to me.

Thankyou again for letting us watch you work

Enjoyed the video on the Lexus. I like the fact that your videoing repairs on all makes and models. I have a Lexus , not this year or model but it is enjoyable to hear your pros and cons on a brand I’m familiar with. Keep up the good work. And keep those Lexus videos coming.

@johnhpalmer6098

4 ай бұрын

I think Ray's early mechanic years were in Michigan, so is not unfamiliar with the rust situation and occasionally helps A-Rod out up at his shop periodically.

2003, love mine. Will never get rid of it.

I bought a used 2006 with 80k miles on it for $18,500 and haven't had any issues at all. Had the original tires so I replaced them so now it rides and drives like your typical Lexus. Smooth and quiet although I agree about the seats if they rub up against the back seats. Also for a 18 year old car the top does not leak at all going through a car wash which is really surprising to me.

But we Love watching fluided transfer and exchange ... Thanks for another great Video ... Hello from Dallas ' Texas

@riaanlouw1874

4 ай бұрын

Especially the struggling with rusted oil drain plugs, etc, etc.

At the golf course …but you have to put the top down to get clubs in or out of fully reclined front seat, won’t fit in backseat or trunk. I know, I borrowed my girlfriend’s to go golfing, once 😎

@Ryan-vj9bl

3 ай бұрын

My Titleist bag fits PERFECTLY in the back seat- you move the passenger forward a little and and use the fold down latch done deal. It’s even snug so it doesn’t move around… car is perfect

So my SC430 is very solid and I really enjoy it. I would not call it a sports car, but would say more of a luxury touring. I enjoy the silent cabine with the roof up and the roof down is still pretty quiet . I do not have any of these rattles and sounds coming from anywhere in my car. Mine is a 2004 and have a little over 220,000 klms. Worth mentioning these cars were really overpriced at the time but ahead of it's time in certain aspect.

Thank you for the video Ray. Always enjoy them

Nice video Ray, as usual. I have restored many cars from the 60's on up. 20 years ago I began buying parts on Ebay and it was a life saver. There aren't junk yards full of vintage cars any more.

@michaelpressman7203

4 ай бұрын

Went to junkyard with my son to get parts for my grand son didn't see any old cars😢

@smasher162

4 ай бұрын

@@michaelpressman7203 I know that the local junkyard my dad goes to is owned by a scrapper these days 😮‍💨😢

Suggest you paint the welded lower bracket

I've got one, same year / blue . Runs like a dream . No rust problem though . Your question about used parts / unobtainable parts :- Your customer will know what YOU are about ( professionally ) or he wouldn't have trusted his Lexus to you . Hence the used / new part won't be an issue . Plenty of Slim/Shady Back Street Billy's would have botched it up or not even mentioned it . So rest easy on that score . ( if needs be - show him a clip from this vid so he can see the replacement part was kosher .) Suggest he has some kind of rust treatment process done underneath maybe ? Top is lovely . Underneath is grim . And costly if left ? ? Your call . Not telling you how to suck eggs , dude . Now , for all the Lexus hate - that's a whole different issue !!! 🤔... Seriously though , top job . Good to see theres still some people around with i ) "know-how" and ii) good work ethic Best Wishes from UK .

Looking good. I have no issue with used parts. At times you just can't get new ones, or the part is old enough that it is no longer produced.

Unwavering dedication and humility set you apart. Congrats!

@Invisibleman7

4 ай бұрын

Bot

@aciddiver1978

4 ай бұрын

Obsess much?

Oh Ray, the title of this video made me feel like you just called my baby ugly! Of course your video was much kinder. I have a 2002 SC430 that I picked up salvaged and revived back to service and is my favorite car I’ve ever owned. I get it that the styling and performance isn’t for everyone, but i friggen love this car. And given I only put about $12K between the title and repairs, it’s been an amazing car for me. I even have the same wheels.

@redskinjim

3 ай бұрын

i love my 2002

@Ryan-vj9bl

3 ай бұрын

My 07 is my favorite car I’ve ever owned- I literally talk to her 🤙🏻

@vincentlevy9416

3 ай бұрын

My 08 is absolutely beautiful, and I maintain it diy

Ray, I started watching your channel about a year before you got your own shop. I think your videos are awesome. I love wokring on cars and worked as a civil engineer for 37 years, and about 10 years before I retired I started a handyman business, which I'm still doing. I just wanted to say I really admire your patience when you work and your videos have helped me in my buisness because everytime I want to throw the hammer across the room because I dropped a nail or lost a screw or cut a tile backwards I think about how patient you are when you work and how you take things in stride and it calms me down so I don't quit right there. Keep up the great videos.

I have one of those most hated sports cars and I love it. It does spend most of the time in the garage. It has a governor on it that cuts out at 150mph. New they were very expensive. It comes with a convertible hard top which Toyota sold the design to Pontiac. Has run flat tires and one of the first on board GPS. Its been easy to maintain and has been very reliable. Probably will never be a classic although they are rare. I was happy to see you work on a car I was familiar with. Nothing wrong with used parts if they are functional. Ask any rebuilder when parts are no longer made!

You hear a lot of noises in your car because it's been neglected or maybe been abused. Look at those loose parts and massive corrosions, it looks like your car had never been taken care properly. My SC430 is an 18 year old car but never hear any noises and everything in and out, including under the chasse are all in mint conditions and still runs like new. Why? Because it's been taken care properly. Also it's not a sport car, as what everybody says it's a luxury touring car. Where can you find a sports car that has seat at back? Zero!!!

@alanevans3989

10 күн бұрын

I totally agree my friend . I had a 1990 SC400 jap import , ran it for 12 yrs , sold it on in 2012. It’s still going strong with a friend of mine , I wish I’d held onto it they go for good money now ! Following that I bought a 2006 Merc CL500 , still got that and running sweet . In 2015 I got a 2002 SC430 , it’s now done 130,000 miles (barely run in 😊 ) It’s had a new timing belt and water pump , coil overs ( thanks to the shit roads in Uk ) and Bluetooth . It’s looked after and regularly serviced . It is absolutely reliable and a daily driver , as is the Merc . Neither are garaged and are out in all seasons . Buy a decent example and look after it , simple . . . Yours has obviously been neglected , but I’d bet with a bit of love and attention it would serve you better than most other brands . My 430 is definitely a keeper .

oxy acetylene is your best friend when working on rusty vehicles , the job is harder and sometimes you will fail without it ,the Lexus looked mint compared to some cars I. have worked on just needs a rust converter spraying around to keep it from getting rotten , nothing wrong with the sensor you fitted great job Ray

@23:20 As you were going on and on about northern cars and never once thought about using something like PB Blaster? lol

@charlessmarr7107

4 ай бұрын

Here in Snowhio PB Blaster is the first tool out of the tool kit.

@mattbrown5511

4 ай бұрын

I grew up in Indiana. Our PB Blaster was called a torch.

@jimalcott760

4 ай бұрын

Surprised you didn’t paint the replacement part.

As I recall Jeremy Clarkson absolutely "LOVED😅" the SC430 on Top Gear.

@mr.tall-man1573

4 ай бұрын

I was about to say, old school Top Gear was a huge fan of this car. Voted worst car of 2003 and if I remember correctly as a joke, they delivered the car to one of the presenters. Was it Jeremy?😆

@a.c.4732

4 ай бұрын

Clarkson only had the r-sake because he couldn't fit his flabby whale body in it & Hammond couldn't see over the steering wheel ! !

I have a 2005 with 100,000 mi on it. 3rd owner. No creeks, no rattles, everything still works perfectly except for the power antenna. Don't see how it's behind 15 years technology-wise - it has bluetooth, voice command, color GPS (yes, I know that GPS is useless today - I've updated), electronic brake distribution, variable assist power steering, traction control, vehicle stability control. Has all the power features that you would expect. Yes, still has a cassette - hard to believe, but people were still using cassettes back in early 2000's. Of course it doesn't have wireless or USB charging - there was no such thing back then. But today there's plenty of aftermarket updates for this car. For me, it's been reliable as hell and fun to drive on the right days. Just service it regularly as you would any other car.

A used part is better than no part & it looked pretty new, also a testament to Toyota is how good the body looks at 20 years old after having spent some of it's life in the rustbelt area.

Great job Ray! I can't believe you actually got your way through that corrosion, and got that welded together... You must be living right..

My '64 Ford Galaxy Convertible (yes I'm old) had an extra massive X cross-member on the central part of the frame for stiffening. It was a PITA for exhaust replacement because it routed thru cutouts in the X cross-member.

@kd7cwg

3 ай бұрын

Had an 83 mustang glx convertible (v8/5speed). It did not creak like this. Doors even shut nice, no binding or issues lining up, even after making passes at the drag strip.

Using used part is okey as long as the customer gets informed/asked about it.. As for your comment about the lack of real mechanics, you are absolutely right, many mechanics are just "part changer" today sadly... Thats why I love your channel.

Im a mechanic in Minnesota and every vehicle you work on is more rusted than that. Used parts are very popular and the customer should always be aware of what is being installed on their vehicle.

Thank you Ray

That type of rust is a combo of salt driving + sitting without driving in a highly humid environment for very long periods of time. The sitting kind of creates that rusty underwater ship type of rust because it just kind of accumulates and drips down and sorta forms these stalagmite type structures. Whereas driving through snow + salt and slush it just kinda has the chance to fly off, creating more of a uniform rustiness. I can definitely see both types here.

Good call on the creative thought process. To prevent rust here in PA I sprayed my underbody with fluid film. Upon its annual inspection “at a place that rhymes with bep poys” I mentioned that I sprayed everything with fluid film, yet they still tried to charge me $4k saying all my suspension in leaking and need replacement. Made me furious that day and took it somewhere else where it passed. Such is the problem when state inspection and repair shops are allowed.

8:00 a Land Cruiser with a 4.7 very interesting. Awesome engine they put in those.

I am glad you gave the little Lexus a pat and said sorry. A great little tourer not too many over the top accessories, there are quite a few in Australia and are real stayers.

I like these inspections!!!

nice repair! used part looked fine especially since you could get one!

I would fit (and have done to my 40 to 50 year old cars) giving the option to the owner of fitting used parts, fitting used as a temporary stopgap until new parts are available or charge vehicle storage fees until just new parts are available. The used parts give immediate driveability for the customer.

Great job on the height sensor Ray ! .... I agree it's not a great sports car .. but it is a great cruiser / grand tourer

As someone who owns a car where even the manufacturer doesn't even make parts for it anymore, used parts are okay as long as I'm told about it before hand (in case I need to be prepared to buy the part again cuz the new-to-me-used-part is also busted on arrival, or to give me a chance to find the part myself)

Speaking as someone who runs a 50 year old car, also unloved in the USA (Triumph Stag), I find that second hand parts are often better quality than the modern Chinesium parts.

@johnt.848

4 ай бұрын

Hated everywhere.

so true. back when i first started as a automotive technician. you had to know how to repair and or rebuild starters, generators, alt, and brake cylinders' and calipers. now everything is replace, replace and yes it is driven buy the manufactures of said products with them making it damn near impossible to rebuild anything on the new cars.

I think the word you were looking for to describe nut & bolt is symbiotic / 2 things that compliment as in work together, have a shared relationship or in most cases depend on each other. Kudos to you for the awesome thorough job you did on the Pontiac.

@starrtraveler29

4 ай бұрын

Complementary also works :)

@johnt.848

4 ай бұрын

No that is not what he meant. Fastener would suffice.

It is as much a sports car as a 1970s Thunderbird. Some times used parts are all that is available, Eric O uses them quite frequently. I can't believe people thought that "end of transmission" meant the trans was bad but then I am a techno geek - electronics, computers, IT systems management and computer forensics and I go back to the days of vacuum tubes.

@michaelpressman7203

4 ай бұрын

Got my first color TV went to radio store tested tubes & fixed it😂

I wanted one when I was a kid. If I could find a low mileage one. I would get one.

i here what your saying about fixing things most mechanics and body shop only want to replace not fix or straighten any part

Sometimes there is no choice, you have to use used parts, but always with the customers agreement

Awesome video Ray. Rust is pretty common place here in Maryland, not like up north farther but still not pristine by any means. Oh and by the way nuts and bolts would be antonyms, technically opposites, but still need to work together, alike so synonyms too? Its the million dollar question?

Hi Ray, I am late to the video but big thanks for the Dave sighting. Great video !!!! With a Dave sighting. Gravitas!

33:15 Ray! You’re driving the car with used work gloves! That steering wheel is leather and wood! Clean hands are a good idea inside customers’ cars (I have learned). Turning a glove inside out over the glove on the other hand does work, too!

I’m still used to luxury cars being known for their low end torque and smooth/floaty ride. By that definition I don’t think any real luxury cars have hit the market in at least the last decade or two.

I’m no mechanic but appreciate the car you took with this Lexus. 👌🏻

Nice work! When a new part is not available, you have no choice but to find a used one. If that is not available, you may be able to modify a different one designed for another vehicle. Other than that you are up a creek. Used is fine as long as it works. The one you had looked like a new part. The only other thing I would have done to the little braket you welded, is a shot of rustoleum. If I owned that car, I would get under it and wire brush all the rust I could get to, use that rustreversal stuff and paint or undercoat, before it gets too bad. I think it is salvageable at this point, don't ignore it.

e-bay to the rescue, has saved me on many repairs for stuff, in price and with obsolete parts. Even finding brand new OEM New old stock on e-bay. For a wolf gas range, gas line $25. From wolf $98..same part in same OEM bag. e-bay is very handy

Ray since you asked I think you tell your customer the options like I m waiting on a new part(with price) and used part(with price)and time frame. (Give them some understanding). Since you welded the bracket for the ride height,it’s hot and when you paint with some black spray paint it dries instantly. It looks good on your video too. This car’s maintenance is now up to date. I like how you clean everything you’ve touched with brake klean and the dropped can. Have good day Ray. We all can be critics sometimes

I seen a chicago il city sticker on the wind shield typical rusty car but for the year its very clean most cars dont survive that long here in the city before rusting away

I had one for a few years. The engine is one of the best produced. The hard top convertible was great. The back seat was useless and there was hardly any trunk space when the top was down.

😮End of transmission! Thanks for clearing that up. I kept thinking you broke a lot of transmissions😅.

Ray keep up the shenanigans their GREAT !!!!!!

The owner has to ok used part (No warranty). But as stated, part is on backorder so may or may not ever come. Good job on repair.

You have to use what you can find on cars like this.. it was like trying to find 240Z parts back in the 2000s... You did good!

I think the welded bare metal part needs some etching primer before installing it. I've used used and new parts from ebay before and saved quite a bit of money.

Good morning Ray. I had a co worker that had bought that car. Loved how it rode but I remembered the car rattled a lot on the inside even new. Have fun fixing it up.

I really enjoy watching others work on vehicles, because I spent too much hammering on my vehicles in the 1970's PA. Seems as those all the repair needed to be done in the middle of winter. Have spent my tome (for the most part) in central coast CA (don't ask about the politics); moving to ID as I am somewhat retired. At least they don't use salt on the roads in the winter where I am headed.

I have used parts from the Vehicle Graveyards several times, all worked ok--used diff. a couple times...

We always say if parts are unavailable, and as for using used parts, quite common here, mainly because of all the older vehicles still used .

I love watching, you are so thorough. I sometimes wonder when you don't show the complete job if you are doing more, like did you use any penetrating oils on the rusted brake bleeders or the diff drain? Did you use any loctite on the fasteners for that ride height unit and did you add some grease on the that ride height unit sliding parts? There was no error code from the ride height unit on the first or final test rides, what was the unit supposed to be doing? Did you notice a change on the final test ride? I bought a new Toyota Solara in 2004, the cassette player was only available as an upgrade, the CD play was standard. The sound system had and aux input, USB had not yet become popular, And we did not have smart phones, but we did have MP3 players.

Yeah those are decent length video that was perfect actually